Mechanism for registering printing plates



Jan. 18, 1944. w. K. ECKHARD ETAL 2,339,467

I MECHANISM FOR REGISTERING PRINTING PLATES Filed Feb. 15,1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 I l ciz ggk' i a, William/i Kai/247d Edwin ilf'mdwm Jan. 18, 1944. w ECKHARD ETAL 2,339,467

MECHANISM FOR REGISTERING PRINTING PLATES Filed Feb. 15, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I J j 727% Q I 471 I 5 Patented Jan. 18,1944

William K. Eckhard, Newark, N. 1., and Edwin w. Goodwin, New Rochelle, N. Y., assignors to B. Hoe & 00., Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application February 13, 1942. Serial No. 430,816

14 Claims. (01. 33-1845) This invention relates to method and mechanism for preparing flexible printing plates for subsequent application to form or plate cylinders of rotary printing machines, and especially to the preparation of sets of multicolor plates, each of which is to be applied to the form or plate cylinder of a rotary printing machine that employs plates of this character.

These plates are usually formed of flexible sheet metal, and have the forms or designs to be printed, produced ontheir printing surfaces by methods well known in the art. A locating and clamping bar is secured to the leading edge of each plate in predetermined relation to the designs and register marks on the printing surface. Then the plate is wrapped around aform orplate cylinder, and it is secured in place on the cylinder by suitable securing means well known by those skilled in the art. An arrangement whereby flexible planographic printing plates are wrapped around form or printing cylinders and suitably secured in printing position on the cylinder surface is disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,320,239, granted to William F. Huck on May 25, 1943.

Mechanism made in accordance with the invention is especially applicable to use in connection with a multicolor printing machine having a plurality of identical form cylinders, on each of which a printing plate is applied. Multicolor printing can, however, be produced on a single color machine, by printing from each of a set of multicolor plates successively, and it will be seen that the use of the registering mechanism herein disclosed is equally advantageous where a single color machine is used.

In multicolor printing of this character where a plurality of printing cylinders are employed, each form or plate cylinder is provided with a recess to receive the locating or clamping bar to which a flexible printing plate is secured in predetermined positional relation. This recess is formed in each plate cylinder at a location which corresponds to the location of similar recesses formed in the other plate cylinders, so that a design on the printing plate of one cylinder will be positioned at a location which corresponds to the location of similar designs on the plates of other plate cylinders, to thus insure accurate register in multicolor work. This register accuracy is assured because the locating bar is secured to the leading edge of each plate in predetermined relation to designs and register marks on the plate, and then each plate is wrapped around the peripheral portion of each plate cylinder with its locatingbar positioned in a recess which is similarly located in each plate cylinder.

An object of this invention is to provide method and mechanism for preparing flexible printing plates. for application to plate or form cylinders of printing machines, so that a design on each plate will be positioned at a corresponding printing location on each plate or form cylinder to insure accurate registration in multicolor printing.

Another object of this invention is to provide a fixture for expeditiously locating a number oi printing plates of a set with respect to their clamping or locating bars, so that a design on one plate bears the same positional relation to its clamping bar as a similar design on the other plates of the set bear to their respective clamping bars, whereby when the bars are secured to the plates, and the plates with their clamping bars are placed on and secured to similarly arranged printing cylinders, the plates will print in accurate register.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for preparing plates for application to printing cylinders, whereby a plurality of plates may be applied to their respective printing cylinders in proper registration to produce accurate multicolor printing without the necessity for subsequent adjustment of any plate with respect to its cylinder.

A specific object of this invention is the provision of a fixture for expeditiously securing a loeating 'or clamping bar to the leading edge of each plate of a set of multicolor plates in predetermined positional relation to the design and register marks on each plate, the plates bein employed for use on a number of similar form cylinders having similarly located longitudinally extending recesses formed therein for the reception of the locating bars, so that when a plate is wrapped around a cylinder with its locating bar positioned in its recess, a design on this plate will positionally correspond to similar designs on the plates on the other cylinders of the set to thus produce accurate register inmulticolor printing.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a method of securing accuracy in the register of lithographic printing plates without interfering with the operation of the press.

' It is also an object of this invention to provide a printing plate registering fixture of generally improved construction, whereby the device will be simple, durable, and inexpensive in con-' struction, as well as convenient, practical, serviceable and eflicient in its use.

With the foregoingand other objects in view,

which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the disclosed method and also the disclosed combination and arrangement of parts, and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that various changes in form, proportion, and minor details of construction may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any advantages of the invention.

For a complete disclosure of the invention, a detailed description of it will now be given in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the plate registering fixture showing the plate in dot and dash lines thereon;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the improved fixture, a part of the standard being broken away;

Figure 3 is a front view of the fixture, a part of the standard being broken away;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmental plan view disclosing a target and magnifier assembly;

Figure 5 is an end view of the portion shown in Figure 4, parts being shown in section;

Figure 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on lines 66 of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken on lines 1-1 of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is an enlarged end view of the composite plate clamp, parts being shown in section;

Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view in which the table is broken away to disclose an adjusting slide; and

Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a slide clamp, parts .being shown in section.

Referring to the drawings, in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts, there is depicted a registering fixture which includes a plate supporting table or platform I0 (Figure 1) of rectangular configuration and of a size to conveniently receive thereon flexible planographic printing plates H which have the usual designs produced thereon by methods well known to those skilled in the art. The plate supporting platform ll] may be formed of metal or other suitable material, and its undersurface is secured by screws l2 to a securing flange I3, which extends laterally from a standard I5. The lower terminal of the standard I5 is provided with a foot or supporting flange IE, to thus rigidly support the table I0, and the length of the standard (5 is such as to position the table It] at a height for convenient manipulation of its components by an operator.

A slide rail I1 is positioned at the front of the table [0, and this rail may be formed integral with the table or suitably secured thereto. As shown in Figure 6, the rail is indicated as an integral part of the table for the sake of simplicity. This rai. has an inverted T-slot or rebase plate 21 by extending a shaft or pin 3| through the securing lug 28 and through spaced extensions or legs 32 (Figures 4 and 6) formed by bifurcating one terminal of the hinge plate 30. Each hinge plate 30 is provided with a circular aperture 33 positioned to clear the manipulating head of each locking screw 22, in order that the hinge plate may be swung freely about its hinge pin 3|, for reasons to be hereinafter disclosed. The upper surface of each hinge plate 30 is provided with a transversely extending rectangular slideway or groove 35 for the sliding reception of a slide 36, which is slidably retained in the groove 35 by a cover plate 29 which is secured to the hinge plate 30 over the slide groove 35 by screws 34, in order that the slide 36 may slide freely relative to the hinge plate 30. A supporting or cover plate 31 (Figures 4 and 7) is secured to a terminal of each slide 36, and extends beyond the hinge plate 30. Two securing screws 38 extend through a selected two of four equally spaced apertures 39 formed in the cover or supporting plate 31, to rigidly secure the cover plate 31 to its slide 36, and the threaded portions of these screws threadedly engage the threaded apertures 40 formed in the outer terminal of each slide 36, so that the position of the plate 31 may be adjusted relative to its slide 36, for a purpose which will be later elucidated. A rectangular slide bearing block 42 is secured to the undersurface of each slide cover or support 31, and this block is provided with a rectangular elongated recess 43 for the sliding reception of a rectangular slide 45. Each slide bearing block 42 is secured to the supporting plate 31 by screws 46, or other suitable securing devices. The outer terminal of each slide 45 is slit, as indicated at 41 (Figure 4), to bifurcate this terminal of the slide 45, and the intermediate portion of the slit 41 is enlarged to provide arcuate recesses 48 for the reception of a bar or stem 50. Each stem 50 is rigidly secured to its slide 45 by a securing screw 5|, which extends through a cylindrical aperture formed through one furcation of the slide 45, and threadedly engages a threaded aperture 52 formed in the other furcation, as indicated. When the screw 5| is tightened, the stem 50 is securely grasped, but when this screw is loosened, the stem 50 may be turned for a purpose to be explained hereinafter.

A foot 53 (Figure 5) is secured to the lower terminal of each stem 50, and this foot has a transparent panel or target 55 suitably secured to the underside thereof, .which is used as an aligmnent gauge. This panel or target 55 is preferably formed of transparent cellulose material, but of course any other suitable cess l8 formed in its upper portion for the reception of a pair of T-shaped slide members 20 each having a threaded aperture formed therein to threadedly receive the threaded terminals 2| of locking screws 22, and each screw 22 is provided with an annular locking shoulder 23 and manipulating head 25, for a purpose to be hereinafter disclosed. Each screw 22' extends through an aperture 26 formed in a slidable base plate 21, which has an upstanding securing lug or block 28. I A hinge plate 30 is hingedly secured to eac transparent material may be employed. Each target 55 has register marks 56 (Figure 4) inscribed thereon, and these marks are preferably of cruciform configuration or perpendicularly disposed lines of a type usually employed in the art for register work. A supporting block 51 (Figure 5) is secured at the upper terminal of each stem 50 by providing the block with a cylindrical aperture 58 for the reception of the stem, and then threading a locking screw 59 through a threaded aperture formed in the block 51 to enter the aperture 58 and engage the upper terminal of the stem 50. a magnifier 60, which includes the usual magnifying glass 60* (Figure 4), and the axis of this glass is preferably positioned above or vertically aligned with the crossing point of the register 7 Each block 50 supports marks 58, for a purpose to be more fully explained hereinafter. The provision of the locking screws 59 permits each magnifying glass 88 to be moved to accurate adjustment relative to the register marks 58, and the provision of the locking screws i permits each stem 58 to be j secured in different angular positions relative to the slide 45, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.

Each slide 36 (Figures 4 and 6) is provided with a longitudinally extending threaded aperture 6| for the threaded reception of an adjusting screw 82, which has an enlarged knurled manipulating head 68. The manipulating head 63 is preferably of cylindrical configuration, and it is held against longitudinal movement relative to the hinge plate 38 by a finger or projection 65 which overhangs a recess 85 in which the manipulating head 83 is received. By this arrangement, when the knurled head 63 is rotated the slide 35 is longitudinally moved in order to move the supporting plate 31 relative to the hinge plate 38, to thus adjustably move the target 55 and the magnifier 68 longitudinally along the plate supporting table I8, for a reason to be hereinafter explained. The slide 35 is retained in predetermined position relative to the hinge plate 38 by a locking screw 61, which is threadedly secured to the hinge plate 38 and engages the slide. Each locking screw 81 is provided with an enlarged knurled manipulating head 68 in order that it may be conveniently rotated.-

Each slide 45 is provided with a. longitudinally extending threaded aperture 18 (Figures 4 and 7) for the threaded reception of an adjusting screw II which is provided with an enlarged knurled manipulating head 12. The manipulating head I2 is held against longitudinal movement relative to the slide cover or supporting plate 31 by a finger or projection I3 which overhangs a recess 14 in which the manipulating head 12 is secured. Each slide 45 is held against longitudinal movement by a locking screw 15,

which is threadedly secured in a threaded aperture 44 formed in the slide bearing block 42.

By this arrangement, a target 55 and aligned magnifier 68 are located at each end of the plate supporting table I8, and each target may be positioned in contact with or immediately above a printing plate II when its supporting hinge plate 38 is in its lowered position where it is supported by the upper surface of the base plate 21. When the hinge plate 38 is thrown upwardly about its hinge pin 3| (Figure 2), it is moved to inoperative position, or away from the printing plate II. If preferred, each hinge pin or shaft 3| may have a helical extension spring I6 (Figure 4) positioned on one terminal thereof between a washer or collar 11 and an extension 32 of the hinge plate 38. The washer I1 is held against longitudinal movement on its hinge pin 3I by a cotter pin 18, and the hinge pin 3| is held against longitudinal movement by a set screw I9 which is screw threaded into the block 28. By this arrangement, lost motion between the block and the hinge plate 38 is prevented and the targets 55 and magnifiers 68 may be moved to inoperative position when desired. Furthermore, each target 55 and magnifier 68 may be adjusted transversely or across the printing plate by rotating the adjusting screw I I, and when the target and magnifier have been moved to the desired position, the slide 45 is locked against longitudinal movement by tightening the locking screw I5.

Each entire target and magnifier support or assembly may be moved longitudinally along the table I8 or plate II by loosening the locking screw 22, and then sliding the slide member 28 in the slide slot I8. After the target 55 has thus been adjusted roughly to the desired longitudinal position, the screw 22 is again tightened by manipulating its knurled head 25, to thus secure itedly adjusted longitudinally of the plate II,

or the supporting table I8 to the accuracy desired, by rotating its adjusting screw 52 by its manipulating head to thus adjustably move the slide along its slideway 35. When the correct longitudinal position of the target and magnifier is located, the slide 35 is locked in this position by tightening the locking screws 81 through its manipulating head 68.

A recess 88 (Figure 6) is formed near the front edge of the plate supporting table I8 at a location where the inner face of the slide rail I1 forms the outer wall 8I of the recess.' The recess 88 has an inner wall 82 which is offset at 83 to provide an undercut portion 84,"for a purpose to ,be hereinafter explained. A dowel or 10- cating pin 85 projects upwardly from the intermediate portion of the bottom wall 86 of the recess 88, and this pin is to be received in a transversely extending locating slot 81 (Figure 5) formed in the lower face of a lower clamping component or jaw 88 of a composite plate clamp or bar 89 (Figure 8), which, when positioned in the recess 88, is located accurately longitudinally by the reception of the locating pin 85 in the locating slot 87. The lower clamping jaw 88 is provided with a longitudinally extending upstanding portion or projection 98 having an upper gripping surface 9| of predetermined dimensions. The projection 98 extends along the inner longitudinal edge of the lower clamping jaw 88, and a locating rib 92 having an upper armate face, extending along the outer longitudinal edge of the lower jaw 88, and this longitudinally extending arcuate rib 92 engages a longitudinally extending arcuate recess 83 formed in the lower face of an upper clamping jaw 95, to definitely locate the upper clamping jaw 95 relative to the lower clamping jaw 88. An inset gripping or clamping face 98 extends along the inner longitudinal edge of the upper clamping jaw 95, and this gripping face 96 coacts with the gripping face 9I of the lower jaw to grip the leading edge of a printing plate, as best shown in Figure 8. The gripping face 95 is of predetermined dimensions and intersects the upper terminal of an inclined face, to thus provide a stop surface or shoulder 91, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. The lower jaw 88 is provided at its opposed longitudinal edges with outwardly projecting flanges I88 and MI, and the inner flange I88 is received in the undercut portion 84 of the recess 88 when the composite clamping bar 89 is located in the recess 88 to receive a printing plate II. The lower clamping jaw 88 of the clamping bar 89 is locked in this position by a plurality of locking screws I82 (Figure 1), which are threadedly received in the slide rail I1, and the inner terminal of each locking screw I82 (Figure 5) engages the outer face of the lower jaw 88, and preferably the upper edge of the outer flange I8I, to securely lock the clamping bar within the recess 88. Each locking screw I82 is provided with crank handles I (Figure 1) for convenient manipulation to rotate the screw. The upper jaw 95 is securely locked and clamped to the lower jaw 88 by a plurality of A slide or adjusting member H2 (Figure 2) is slidably supported adjacent each end of the front edge of the table, I0 in brackets II3 (Figures 2 and 3) which are secured to or extend from the lower face of the table below the clamping bar recess 80. The table I 0 is cut away at each front corner adjacent the slide H2 to provide recesses I0 (Figure l), for a purpose to be hereinafter disclosed. Each slide H2 is movably attached at its inner terminal to a longitudinally extending bar II4, which is approximately the same length as the table I 0. The bar H4 is engaged at each terminal by a stud II5 (Figure 9) which is secured to a slide H2 and has an enlarged head H6. Each terminal of the bar I I4 is held against a stud I I5 and under its head H6 by a spring pressed plunger H1, which is slidably supported in a block or housing H8 carried by the inner terminal of each slide H2. A flange or finger H9 extends from each block H0 and overhangs the bar H4. By this arrangement, the bar H4 is secured to the adjusting slides H2 in a manner that permits swinging movement of the bar H4 relative to these slides, for a reason to be hereinafter explained. A hearing lug I (Figure 2) extends downwardly from the outer bracket H3 at each terminal of the table I0 and it has a cylindrical aperture I2I (Figure 5) formed therein to rotatably receive an adjusting shaft I22. A collar I is pinned or otherwise secured to each adjusting shaft I22, and this 001- lar I25 abuts the inner face of the bearing lug I20, while the outer face of each lug is engaged by the inner terminal I26 of a sleeve I21 which is secured to each shaft I22. Each sleeve is provided with an enlarged knurled manipulating head I28, in order that rotary motion may be imparted to the adjusting shaft I22, for a purpose to be hereinafter disclosed. Each shaft I22 is provided with a threaded portion I30 (Figure 2), which threadedly engages a threaded aperture I3I formedin a lug I32 which extends downwardly from each slide H2. By simply rotating the adjusting shafts I22 through their manipulating heads I28, longitudinal sliding motion'is imparted to the slides H2, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.

A slide clamp I 35 (Figures 1 and 10) is slidably secured to the cross bar I I4 adjacent each terminal thereof, and each slide clamp is of U- shape configuration and has arecess I36 formed therein between an upper jaw I31 and a lower jaw I38 to slidably receive the bar I I4. The upper jaw I31 of the slide clamp I35 is reduced to provide a surface I 39 for the reception of a margin plate clamp Or clip I40. The unthreaded portion of the shank I of a thumb screw I 42 extends through a cylindrical aperture I43 formed in the plate clip I and a similar aperture formed in the reduced portion or th upper jaw I31 of the slide clamp I36. The screw shank MI is provided with a threaded portion which threadedly engages a threaded aperture I44 formed in th lower Jaw I46 of the slide clamp I35, and this clamp screw I42 is provided with a manipulating head I46 of usual construction. When the clamp screw I 42 i tightened, the clamp I 35 grips the cross bar H4 and securely holds the plate clips I 40 in this position, for a reason to be later explained.

The cross bar 4 is pivotally secured adjacent one terminal to a longitudinally extending link I46 (Figures 1 and 3), as indicated at I41, and the opposed terminal of the link I46 is 'pivotally secured to the intermediate portion of a lever I43, as indicated at I48. The inner terminal of the lever I43 is pivotally secured to the lower face of the table I0, as indicated at I49, and the outer terminal of the lever I43 is slidably supported by a strap I50 (Figure 3) which is secured to the lower face of the table I0. This terminal of the lever I43 is provided with a bifurcated head I5I to which a pintle or shaft I52 is rotatably secured, and this pintle is provided intermediate its terminals with a threaded aperture I53 for the threaded reception of the threaded portion I55 of an adjusting rod or shaft I66. The shaft I56 is provided at its opposed terminal with a sleeve I51 which is rigidly secured to the shaft, and the sleeve I51 has an enlarged manipulating head I58.- The inner terminal of this sleeve engages an arm I60 which is supported by the table I0, and this arm is provided with an aperture I6I to rotatably receive the shaft or rod I56. A collar I62 i pinned or otherwise secured to the shaft I56, and this collar engages the opposed face of the arm I60, so that the shaft I56 is mounted for free rotary movement in the arm I60, but is held against longitudinal movement relative thereto. By this arrangement, the bar H4 may be moved longitudinally by simply rotating the enlarged manipulating head I-58 of the adjusting shaft I56, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. This longitudinal movement of the bar H4 is permitted by the provision of the hereinbefore disclosed connections between the inner terminals of the slides I I2 and the terminals of the bar H4, irrespective of the relative positions of the slide II2, A helical retractile spring I63 (Figure 1) has one terminal secured to the bar II4, as indicated at I65, and its opposed terminal is secured to the plate supporting table I0, as indicated at I66, in order to take up any backlash or lost motion in the components for imparting longitudinal adjusting movement to the bar H4. This bar is permitted longitudinal movement of considerable amplitude by the provision of the recesses I0 at the corners of the table I 0.

In operation, when it is desired to secure the first plate II of a set of printing plates in such relation to its clamping or locating bar 89 as to make designs on the plate bear given positional relation to the bar, the bar is positioned in its receiving recess 80 with its flange I00 positioned in the offset recess 84. Prior to positioning the clamping or locating bar 89 in this recess 80, its

clamping screws I06 are released to insure that the upper jaw 95 is spaced sufficiently from the lower jaw 88 to receive the leading edge of the first plate II. When the composite bar 89 is positioned in its receiving recess 80, the locating dowel is received within the locating recess 81 of the lower jaw 88, to thus insure that the bar 09 is located in accurate longitudinal position relative to the plate supporting table I0.

The locking-screws I02 are then'rotated by manipulating their crank handles I to thereby lock the plate clamp bar 89 securely within the recess 90, with the inner flange I00 of the lower clamping bar 99 positioned in the undercut recess 84, and with the inner terminals of the crank screws I02 engaging the outer face of the lower clamping bar 88 and also in engagement with the upper surface of the outer flange IOI. By this arrangement, the plate clamp 89 is securely locked within its receiving recess 90. 6

Prior to placing the first printing plate II on the table "I, the slides II2 should be adjusted by rotating their manipulating heads I28, so that the slides project slightlybeyond the outer face of the slide rail I'I, preferably a distance of onesixteenth of an inch.

Now the first flexible printing plate I l is placed on the platesupporting table I0 with the printing face of the plate disposed upwardly. This plate, in common. with the otherlplates of a set of plates, has register marks 56 (Figure 1) inscribed thereon, and it is preferable and the usual practice to make then of cruciform configuration, as shown. These marks are placed on the plate I I in definite relation to the designs thereon and also in definite relation to the leading edge of the plate. The leading edge is then placed between the open clamping jaws 88 and 95, and it is forced inwardly until its longitudinally-extending leading edge accurately engages the stop shoulder 91 formed at the inner terminal of the clamping face 96 of the upper jaw 95. The plate is thus accurately positioned on the table I 0 with its leading edge parallel with the accurately located stop shoulder 91 of the plate clamping bar.

The slide clamps I35 and plate clips I40 are next moved along the bar I I4 until the plate clips I40 overhang the side edges of the printing plate II. The plate clip screws I42 are then tightened to .securely lock the slide clamps I35 to the bar III, and to secure the plate II to the clips I40 and the slide clamps I 35.

The manipulating heads I28 are then turned to move the slides II2 and plate II inwardly until the outer terminals of the slides II2 lie flush with the outer face of the slide rail I'I, thereby moving the plate II forwardly so there is a clearance of one-sixteenth of an inch between the leading edge of the plate and the stop shoulder 91 of the upper clamping jaw 95. The space thus provided between the leading edge of the plate II and the stop shoulder 91 provides suitable clearance for the registering of the subsequent plates of a set of plates. The first plate of the set being thus correctly positioned, the clamp screws I06 are tightened to securely grip the leading edge of the plate II in the plate clamp 89. In tightening these screws, it is preferable to begin in the center and alternately tighten the screws at each side of the center until all of the screws are secured. After the plate clamping bar 89 is securely fastened to the leading edge of 'the printing plate II, the plate clips I40 are loosened and slid along the bar II2 away from the plate.

The position of the plate II and register marks 56 thereon are recorded before the plate clamp bar 89 and plate II are removed from the table I0. To do this, swing the magnifiers 60 and targets 55 downwardly about their pivot pins 3| to their operative position, in which position the lower face of each hinge plate 30 engages the upper face of its base plate 21,. and each target is spaced a' slight distance frornthe upper face of the plate II or rests very lightly thereon. The target and magnifier slides 36 and 45, which are controlled by turning the manipulating heads of their adjusting screws 62 and II, should ,be adjusted to about the center of their adjustin range, so they may be moved in either direction. The manipulating heads 25 of the lockin screws 22 are then turned to release these screws, and the entire magnifier and target assemblies are moved along the slide rail II until each target 55 is positioned so its register mark 56 is located approximately opposite the register marks 56 on the plate II. If the adjustments afforded by the slides 36 and 45 are not sufficient to position the register marks 56 of the targets 55 near the register marks 56 onthe plate II, then the securing screws 38- of the cover or supporting plates 31 may be removed andplaced in other apertures 39 of the supporting plates 31 to locate these plates and their slide magnifiers and targets so the target register marks 56 approximately reach the register marks 56 on the 25 plate. As hereinbefore stated, the targets 55 and magnifiers '60 may be adjustably turned ninety degrees, if necessary, by simply releasing the screw 5|.- After the targets 55 are located in close proximity to the register marks 56 on the printing plate II, they may be accurately adjusted to bring the register marks 56 or each target 55 into accurate registration or alignment with the register marks 56 'on the printing plate by merely turning the manipulating heads 63 and 12 of the adjusting screws 62 and II. When the register marks 56 on the targets 55 are'accurately aligned with the register marks 56 on the print ing plate, then the locking screws 61 and 15 are tightened to hold the targets 55 and magnifiers 60 in their location. When the targets 55 and magnifiers 60 are so set and secured, the target and magnifier assemblies have definitely recorded the correct position of the register marks on the first plate, and the target and magnifier assemblies may now be swung back to inoperative position to permit the removal of the plate II and its attached plate clamp 99.

The fixture will then be in readiness to receive and register the subsequent plates of the set. In registering the second and succeeding plates of a set of multicolor plates, the process is similar to that hereinbefore described, but in such case, the plates II are moved to register with the register marks 56 on the targets 55. whereas, with the first plate, the targets 55 are moved to register with the register marks 56 on the plate.

In registering the second and succeeding plates, the open plate clamp 89 is securely locked in its receiving recess 80, and the leading edge of each plate I I is positioned between the clamping jaws of the plate clamp 89 and moved inwardly until its leading edge engages the stop shoulder 91 of the upper jaw 95. The plate II is then manually moved sidewise or laterally to as near the position of the first plate as can.

the plate ll may he moved longitudinally of the table l by simply rotating the manipulating head l58,-to thus impart the'required longitudinal movement to the bar Ill through the in-- strumentality of the adjusting shaft I56, lever I43 and link I45. When the register marks 56 on the plate accurately register with the register marks 56 on the targets 55, the plateit will not be necessary to disturb the target setting for diflerent register jobs.

After each plate II is removed from the fix ture table l0, it has its clamping or locating bar 89 secured to its leading edge, with the designs and register marks on the plate bearing definite positional relation to the bar. Each plate II with its clamping bar 89 attached may then be secured in the usual manner to a form cylinder, and since all the form cylinders have their clamping bar receiving recesses similarly located, a design on the printing plate ofone form cylinder will be positioned at a location on the cylinder which corresponds to the location of similar designs on the plates of other form cylinders, thus insuring accurate register in multicolor printing.

It will be understood that the invention herein disclosed may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we now claim as new and useful is:

1. In .a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate -may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each plate of the set, means for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive an edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means for determining when a plate has been located on the plate support with an edge parallel with the located plate clamp, means for securing each located plate clamp to a located plate, recording means having register marks, and means to move'the recording -means to re istration with the register marks on the secured first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent printing plate of the set.

2. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each printing plate of the set, means for-accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive an edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means for determining when a plate has been .moved on the plate support to parallelism with a located plate clamp, means .for securing each plate clamp to a plate, recording means having register marks, means to move the recording means to registration with the register marks on the secured first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent printing plate of the set, adjusting means, and means to successively secure each of the subsequent plates of the set to the adjusting means whereby each subsequent plate may be adjustablymoved on the support to a' position where its register marks register with the register marks of the recording means.

3. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that'register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each plate of the set, means for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive an edge of a plate, means for securing each plate clamp to the plate support, a stop surface on the plate clamp to be engaged by an edge of a plate to determine when the plate has been moved on the support to a position where the said edge is parallel with the secured plate clamp, means for securing the plate clamp to the plate, recording means having register marks, and means to move the recording means to registration with the register marks on the secured first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent printing plate of the set.

4. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each plate of a set, means for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position'to receive an edge of a plate, a stop surface formed on the plate clamp to be engaged by an edge of a plate on the support to position the said edge of the plate in parallelism with the plate clamp, plate adjusting means, means for securing each plate to the plate adjusting means whereby movement of the adjusting means adjustably moves the plate relative to the support and located plate clamp, means for clamping each located plate clamp to the leading edge of each located plate, and targets having register marks thereon and adjustably supported for movement relative to the plate support so that the register marks on the targets may be moved to registration with register marks on he first plate of the set to thus record the registering position on the support for subsequent plates.-

5. In a fixture forpre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for eachplate of the set, means for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive an edge of a printing plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means for determining when a plate has been moved on the plate support to a position where an edge of the plate is parallel with a located plate clamp, means for securing each plate clamp to a plate, a movable magnifier, a target having register marks thereonand seiured in alignment with the magnifier and movable therewith, and means to move the magnifier and target to registration with the register marks on a secured printing plate of theset to re ord the registering location on'the plate suppor for subsequentprintingplates of the set.

6. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding-positions on a. form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each plate of the set, means for accurately locat-.

ing each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive an edge of a plate, means for securing the located plate clamp to the plate support, a stop surface on the plate clamp to be engaged by an edge of each plate to determine when the plate has been moved on the support to a position where said edge is parallel with the secured plate clamp, means for securing the plate clamp to the plate, a movable magnifier, a target secured inalignment relative to the magnifier and movable therewith, the target having register marks thereon, and means for moving the magnifier and target to registration with the register marks on a secured plate to record the registering location on the plate support for subsequent plates of the set.

7. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each plate of the set, mean for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive the leading edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means flir determinfor each plate of the set; means for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive the leading edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, a stop surface on each plate clamp to be engaged by the leading edge of a plate to determine when the plate has been moved on the support to a position where its leading edge is parallel with the located plate clamp, means for securing each plate clamp to each plate of a set, recording means having reg-.

ister marks, means for moving the recording means to registration with register marks on the,

secured first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent plate of the set, adjusting means movable relative to the plate support, and means for ing when a plate has been moved on the plate support to a position where its leading edge is parallel with a located plate clamp, means for securing each plate clamp to a plate, recording means having register marks, means for moving the recording means to registration with the register marks on the secured first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent printing plate of the set, adjusting means movable relative to the plate support, and means for securing a plate to the adjusting means in order that the plates may be moved by the adjusting means to registering locasupport in position to receive the leading edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means for determining when a plate has been moved on the plate support to a position where its leading edge is parallel with the located plate clamp, means for securing each plate clamp to a plate, recording means having register marks, means to move the recording means to registration with the register marks on the secured first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent plate of the set, adjusting means movable in any direction in a plane parallel to the plate support, and means for securing a plate to the adjusting means in order securing each plate to the adjusting means in order to move the first plate of the set relative to its plate clamp, and the subsequent plates of the set to their registering location on the plate support as indicated by the recording means.

10. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, aplate support, a plate clamp for each printing plate of the set, means for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive the leading edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means for determining when a plate has been moved on the plate support to a position where its leading edge is parallel with a located plate clamp, means for securing each plate clamp to each plate, recording means'having register marks, means to move the recording means to registration with the register marks on the secured first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent printing plate of the set, separate slides adjustably movable transversely of the plate support, a longitudinally-extending bar movably secured to each slide, and means for securing a plate to the bar in order that the plate may be adjustably moved by the bar to registering location on the plate support.

11. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be 10- eated in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each printing plate of the set, means for accurately locating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive the leading edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means for determining when a plate has been moved on the plate support to a positionwhere its leading edge is parallel with a located plate clamp, means for securing each plate clamp to each plate, recording means having register marks, means for moving the recording means to registration with the register marks on the secured.first plate of the set to record the registering location on the plate support for each subsequent plate of the set, a slide located at each longitudinal terminal of the plate support adjacent the plate clamp and each slide being adjustably movable transversely of the plate support, a longitudinally-extending bar movably secured to each slide, a lever fulcrumed to the plate support, a link pivotally secured to the lever and bar and operably interposed therebetween, and means for adjustably moving the lever about. its fulcrum to impart longitudinal movement to the bar, the slides and lever imparting movement to the bar in order that plates may be moved by the bar to registering locations on the plate support.

12. In a fixture for pre-registering a number of printing plates of a set in order that register marks similarly located on each plate may be located in corresponding positions on a form cylinder or cylinders, a plate support, a plate clamp for each plate of the set, means for accurately loeating each plate clamp relative to the plate support in position to receive the leading edge of a plate, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate support, means for determining when a? plate has been moved on the plate support to a position where its leading edge is parallel with a located plate clamp, means for securing each located plate clamp to the plate, recording assemblies, each recording assembly including a base plate mounted for longitudinal sliding movement relative to the plate support adjacent one longitudinal terminal thereof, means for securing the base plate'in any selected position in its path of sliding movement relative to the plate support, a transparent target having register marks thereon, the target being hingedly secured to the base plate for swinging movement to and from the upper face of a plate on the plate support, means for adjustably moving each target transversely of its base plate, means for adjustably moving each target longitudinally of its base plate, said adjustable movement of the target being provided in order that the target may be moved to registration with the register marks on the secured first plate of the set, and

means for securing each target in its adjusted position to record the registering location on the plate support for eachsubsequent printing late of the set. a

13. In a plate registering device for use in connection with a printing machine having a form holding member with means arranged to accurately position and secure a clamping member attached to an edge of a printing plate in relation to the form holding member, a plate support having a recess arranged to secure the clamping member in position to receive an edge of a printing plate having a pair of spaced register marks thereon, means attachable to the plate for shifting the plate on the plate support and accurately locating it in a registering position, registering means including a pair of alignment gauges, and adjusting means. operable to move each alignment gauge in any direction parallel to the plate to move the gauge into accurate register with a register mark on the plate.

14. In a plate registering device for use in connection with a printing machine having a form holding member with means arranged to accurately position and secure a clamping member attached to an edge of a printing plate in relation to the form holding member, a plate support having a recess arranged to secure the clamping member in position to receive an edge of a printing plate having a pair of spaced register marks thereon, means attachable to the plate for shifting the plate in any direction in a plane parallel to the plate support and accurately locating it in a registering position, registering means including a pair of alignment gauges movable to coincide with the register marks on the plate, coarse adjustment means operable to quickly move the alignment gauges approximately to registering position and fine adjustment means operable to move the alignment gauges accurately to registering position.

WILLIAM K. ECKHARD, EDWIN W. GOODWIN. 

